"Brighton Rock" is a novel written by British author Graham Greene, first published in 1938. The book is a classic of British literature and falls under the genre of crime fiction or "noir."
The story is set in the seaside town of Brighton, England, and revolves around the life of a young and ruthless gangster named Pinkie Brown. Pinkie becomes the leader of a small gang after his boss is murdered, and he is determined to maintain control and establish his authority in the criminal underworld.
One key element of the story is Pinkie's relationship with Rose, an innocent and naive young waitress who becomes entangled in his life. As Pinkie tries to protect his gang and consolidate power, his connection with Rose complicates matters, leading to a gripping tale of love, loyalty, betrayal, and violence.
"Brighton Rock" explores themes of morality, guilt, and the corrupting influence of violence and power. The novel is known for its dark and atmospheric portrayal of the seedy underworld of Brighton during the 1930s. It remains a significant work in Greene's literary career and continues to be regarded as a classic in the crime fiction genre.